John Mikkelson

John Mikkelson was a popular 34-year-old man and, at the time, the only Black member of the Hell's Angels motorcycle club.

John died in police custody during a night out in west London in 1985. While he was being questioned at Hounslow Police Station, an officer hit him over the head with a truncheon. Left unconscious for over 20 minutes, he died from inhaling his own vomit.

An inquest jury unanimously found that he was 'unlawfully killed' and seven officers were suspended, including a chief inspector.

The coroner referred the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP); however the DPP later announced the seven officers would face no charges. The DPP's decision led to outrage in the Black community as well as Hounslow council, which called for a public inquiry.

A second inquest at Hornsey Coroners Court, with an all-white jury, in 1987 ruled that John had died by 'misadventure'. However, the Campaign for Justice for John Mikkelson continued to raise awareness and concerns over the violent treatment of Black people in police custody.

Watch a 1997 Thames News feature on the second inquest.